Japan

All foreigners newly entering Japan are required to submit the Foreigner's Entry Record (ED card) at immigration inspection. Electronic submission via Visit Japan Web is recommended (register an account, enter the entry record menu, show the QR code to the immigration inspector); each accompanying family member needs their own entry and QR code. Paper ED cards remain available and acceptable, e.g. for those unfamiliar with smartphones; they are issued in 3 bilingual versions (JP/EN/Traditional Chinese, JP/EN/Simplified Chinese, JP/EN/Korean) and must be filled in in English or Japanese. Not applicable to re-entrants (including deemed re-entry), special landing, SOFA/UN status-of-forces and RAA agreement cases. Immigration inspection by an officer is still required even with the QR code. At some airports/terminals, joint kiosks read the Visit Japan Web QR code and IC passport for one-stop immigration and customs procedures. Short-term visitors should enter a stay of 90 days or fewer.

All persons entering or returning to Japan submit the accompanied/unaccompanied-goods declaration. A family examined together may submit one paper form through its representative; unaccompanied goods require two copies. Visit Japan Web electronic submission is recommended and paper remains available. Personal-use allowance combines accompanied goods and unaccompanied goods imported within six months after arrival. Limits per adult: alcohol 3 bottles of 760 ml; cigarettes 200; perfume 2 oz (about 56 ml), excluding eau de cologne/toilette; other goods JPY 200,000 overseas value. Heated tobacco, cigars and other tobacco have separate quantity rules on the linked table. Under-20s get no alcohol/tobacco exemption; under-6s only clearly personal items. Customs selects items fitting within JPY 200,000 for exemption and taxes the remaining items; a single item over JPY 200,000 is taxed in full. A category totalling JPY 10,000 or less is generally exempt.

Required when carrying payment means EXCEEDING the equivalent of JPY 1,000,000 (JPY 100,000 for exports destined for North Korea) on departure from or arrival in Japan. Covered items: total of cash (Japanese or foreign currency), cheques (including traveller's cheques), promissory notes and securities (stocks, government bonds etc.); separately, gold bullion of 90%+ purity exceeding 1kg in weight. The form is 支払手段等の携帯輸出・輸入申告書, available at customs offices nationwide or printable from the website (Japanese and English versions). Declaration applies in BOTH directions (import on arrival and export on departure). Separately regulated payment means may also require an export/import licence under the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act. Threshold wording: 超える (exceeding), i.e. strictly more than JPY 1,000,000 equivalent.